Nicki Hilliard, PharmD, MHSA, BCNP, FAPhA
(#163) APhA Pres: 2018-19
Academic Journey
Nicki Hilliard chose pharmacy in the ninth grade—a decision that shaped a remarkable career. She completed pre-pharmacy studies at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and earned her BS in Pharmacy from UAMS in Little Rock. She completed a nuclear pharmacy rotation during school but wasn't sure which career path to take so pursued a master's in health administration. She was later offered a position in nuclear pharmacy and became Arkansas’s first board-certified pharmacist. She held the position of nuclear pharmacy manager before transitioning to academia and earned her PharmD degree.
Career Journey
Nicki Hilliard’s path in pharmacy began in high school when she worked Saturdays in her next-door neighbor’s apothecary, observing pharmacists to guide both physicians and patients. After pharmacy school, she balanced community relief work with graduate studies before entering nuclear pharmacy, quickly advancing to manager. After seven years, she joined academia, establishing a nuclear pharmacy program at UAMS and a national online training initiative. After serving as APhA President, Nicki left UAMS to become the Director of Professional Affairs at the Arkansas Pharmacists Association, leading pandemic vaccine efforts and advancing pharmacist-prescribed contraception - a passion project with her continued involvement.
APhA Journey
Nicki Hilliard’s APhA journey began in nuclear pharmacy leadership, serving on the Board of Pharmacy Specialties and chairing the APhA Nuclear Pharmacy Special Interest Group. She advanced through APhA-APPM leadership to President and Board of Trustees member (2013–2015), later serving as an APhA Presidential Officer (2017–2020). Her contributions earned APhA’s Award of Merit and the Good Government Pharmacist of the Year. In Arkansas, she received the Bowl of Hygeia and was named Honorary President of the Arkansas Pharmacists Association. She continued her service on the APhA PAC Board of Governors and APhA Foundation Philanthropy Committee.
Personal Story
Nicki Hilliard is a devoted wife to Joe, a retired engineer, and proud mother of Amy and Holly—one a pharmacist and the other an engineer. She treasures time with her grandchildren and eagerly anticipates another arrival in June. Embracing the “go-go” years of retirement, Nicki and Joe share a passion for travel, having explored six continents with Antarctica on their horizon. They also enjoy family time at their lake house in Hot Springs, AR. Nicki plays golf and mahjong weekly, teaches a “Smart Living with AI” class, and is writing a book to help others use AI to enhance travel.
Mentor?
Nicki Hilliard does not point to a single mentor, but rather a community of individuals who shaped her journey. Guided by supportive parents and inspired by past APhA presidents, especially the women —she built her leadership through shared wisdom. APhA staff further enriched her path, with mentors offering their insight.
Tips for the path toward APhA Leadership/Presidency?
Nicki Hilliard encourages those pursuing pharmacy leadership to be intentional, collaborative, and action oriented. Her advice is simple and practical:
1. Clearly communicate your goals so others can help open doors.
2. Pay it forward by supporting and mentoring others along the way - mentorship reflects positively on both giver and recipient.
3. Be the person who gets things done—follow through matters.
4. Maintain professionalism; avoid negativity and be someone others want to work with.
5. Surround yourself with passionate individuals who elevate the profession.
Effective leadership is built on purpose, integrity, and a strong, supportive network.